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Image Credits: Sunriu

With technological advancement in the lighting industry, LED lights or light-emitting diodes are driving a lighting revolution and promising a bright future. LED lights are available in smaller sizes, have improved brightness, illuminate a larger area, and have enhanced qualities. In an LED light, when an electric current passes through a semiconductor material, energy is released in photons and transformed into visible light.

Image Credits: Sunriu

Advantages of LED lights

LED lights are becoming a popular substitute for conventional systems like incandescent and compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs.
Discover why LED lights are a smarter lighting option.

1. Long Lasting

As per studies, the average lifespan of LED lights ranges between 50,000 hours to 100,000 hours. These lights can offer 12 years of continuous lighting and even more if they are occasionally lit. Hence, one LED can nearly replace 25 incandescent lights, which is a great way to reduce the carbon footprint. This results in low maintenance and reduces the hassle of frequently replacing bulbs and tubes.

2. Consumes Less Electricity

LED lights use nearly fifty percent less energy than conventional lighting systems. These lights efficiently operate on low voltage and are, therefore, a perfect solution for solar-enabled outdoor lighting systems. LED lights consume less power and offer substantial savings in recurring electricity bills.

Image Credits: Michal Kantor

3. Available in Numerous Colors

LED lights are primarily available in warm light for warm lighting and cool white for ambient or general lighting ranging between 6000K to 3000K. They are also available in a vast range of colors like red, yellow, green, and amber. Make a note that when LED lights age, they may change their color over a period of time.

4. Energy-efficient

The energy efficiency of LED lights is measured in luminous efficacy or useful lumens or the amount of light that the fixture emits for each unit of power or watt. LED lights are energy-efficient as they convert 80% of electrical energy into light and produce less waste light. On the other hand, incandescent light bulbs are only 20% efficient as 80% of energy gets lost as heat, resulting in higher electricity costs.

5. Cost-effective

From soft lighting to bright lighting, LED lights can be dimmed and provide flexibility in the lighting design. The micro-controllers can dim or brighten the LEDs for light, color and intensity of light. In addition, the lights can be dimmed with hardware made specifically for LED light technology.

Image Credits: Sparkle Lights

6. Ensures Safety

LED lights are safe as they radiate very little heat and are not hot to the touch compared to CFL and incandescent lights. It does not contain hazardous materials like mercury. These lights offer an excellent surface temperature that reduces the risk of burns and does not emit harmful UV or infrared rays.

7. Directional Lighting

As LED lights release a single beam of light, it offers concentrated lighting and does not emit light in all directions. Conventional lights emit light at 360 degrees around the light source, while LEDs emit light at an angle of 180 degrees. Hence, LED lights emit light in a specific direction, do not require reflectors or diffusers to trap rays, and are perfect for recessed downlights and track lights. Also, fewer LED lights are required compared to incandescent lights to achieve the same brightness level. In addition, directional optics reduces light pollution and wasted energy that is usually used to illuminate areas that are not required.

Image Credits: Eureka Lights

8. Instantaneous light

Regular CFL and incandescent lights tend to flicker before they get turned, but LED lights do not require warm-up time. LED lights do not require starters or chokes, as these lights can brighten up immediately when switched on. Frequent switching does not affect its lifespan.

Image Credits: Koncept

Image Credits: Koncept

9. High Color Rendering Index (CRI)

Color Rendering Index (CRI) measures the ability of the light fixture to reveal the natural color of whatever it illuminates under a white light source when compared to sunlight. LED lights have a high color rendering index. When purchasing white LED lights, it is highly recommended to go for a CRI value that is more than 90 as all colors are easily distinguishable.

Image Credits: Aberno

10. Dimmable

From soft lighting to bright lighting, LED lights can be dimmed and provide flexibility in the lighting design. The micro-controllers can dim or brighten the LED’s for light, color and the intensity of light. The lights can be dimmed with hardware made specifically for LED light technology.

Image Credits: White Teak

11. Resists Extreme Temperatures

LEDs are sturdy and can withstand extreme summer heat and cold freezing temperatures. This makes LED lights suitable for cold temperatures, like refrigerators, cold storage and the outdoors.

12. Recyclable

LED lights are made of recyclable glass and aluminum. Unlike conventional incandescent and CFL lights, it does not contain toxic materials like mercury. Each LED light has a heat sink or a heat exchanger that absorbs the thermal energy generated by the LED light and dissipates the energy into the air. Aluminum is the most commonly used material for the heat sink of LED lights.

Image Credit: Huan-Rou Chang

Image Credit: Huan-Rou Chang

Application of LED lights

LED lights fit a wider range of functional and aesthetic applications than what they emit. They are available in various shapes, sizes and types too. These LED lights can be used as light fixtures or spaced out in a linear method. Alongside, LED bulbs are easy to install and can go into existing fittings of light fixtures of incandescent lights.

Industrial and Commercial lights

LED lights make a perfect fit for industrial uses and commercial applications like street lights, garage lights, walkways, outdoor lights and signage.

Ambient lighting

Ambient lighting is the primary source of light for any space. LED lights in the form of recessed downlights, ceiling-mounted LED lights, pendant lights can be used for the ambient lighting or the overall lighting of the space. Small solar LED lights can be used outdoors and in gardens to provide ambient lighting for pathways.

Image Credit: Curio

Task Lighting

Task lighting is a form of direct lighting that increases the light for specific tasks like reading, cooking, writing, etc. For example, consider table lamps and floor lamps with LED lights for reading, while small and directional strip lights are ideal for undercabinet lighting on kitchen countertops.

Image Credit: Pacific Coast Lighting

Accent Light

Accent lights draw attention to interesting design features like artwork and architectural details. One can incorporate accent lights in the stairs, recessed niches, and accent walls. As LED lights offer focused light dispersal or directional lighting, they function as accent lights that channel brightness to a restricted zone. One can also consider colorful LED lights to accentuate some spaces.
Decorate the outdoors for holidays and festivals with string LED lights, as they consume less electricity and are cooler than incandescent bulbs. Led rope lighting is perfect for outdoor fountains.

Decorative LED Lights

Decorative lighting forms the fourth layer of interior illumination as it doubly functions as a design element. Ceiling fixtures like chandeliers, wall sconces and table lamps offer functional aesthetics.

Smart LED Lights

A Smart bulb is an internet-enabled LED light that can be customized and controlled remotely. In addition, smart LED bulbs eliminate the need for traditional wall switches, as it contains software that connects to an app, home assistant, or another similar accessory.

Image Credit: Postigo Design

Image Credit: Postigo Design

The post Why are LED lights the go-to lighting solution of the world? first appeared on Yanko Design.

We’ve seen dozens of box cutters, but never a form factor like this:

That’s cutting tools manufacturer Slice’s silicone Safety Cutter Ring, an $8 gizmo that basically gives you a reimagined fingernail.

It was designed by industrial design consultancy Herbst Produkt (U.S.-based, despite the spelling), who have also filled out the rest of Slice’s offerings with an incredible array of fresh forms: Box cutters, scalpels, utility knives, scrapers, scissors. Each tool is beautiful in its own right:

“With a distinct point-of-view the SLICE brand has a confidence that is unmatched,” writes the design firm. “Herbst has driven a disciplined approach and built a visual design language with a signature DNA that reinforces the SLICE brand attributes and exudes the confidence and boldness that their tools provide.”

You can browse Slice’s offerings here.

The dynamics of gaming have changed in the last few years with smartphones stepping in for more than a makeshift handheld device. That compelling reason to load your mobile device with games is ever so logical with powerful processors ensuring you get to play the high-end, graphically demanding titles that have console-quality visuals.

Dedicated gaming phones elevate the level of immersion a notch higher, and combined with mobile gaming controllers the level of tactical advantage is a given. Best options currently include SteelSeries Stratus+, Backbone One, Razer Kishi V2, or 8Bitdo Pro 2.

Designer: Aryan Vijay

What if there’s a gaming controller for smartphones that’s better in every aspect looking from the perspective of casual, as well as more serious mobile gamers? An accessory that’s featherweight and doesn’t take much space yet brings loads of features to the fore. This is the PhoCo pocketable controller designed keeping in mind the long hours we tend to spend on our smartphones in very uncomfortable postures leading to chronic neck, head and back pain. Certainly not the preferable way to use your device.

The existing mobile gaming controllers on the market address some or all issues like portability, ergonomics and ideal posture; but cannot do all at the same time. PhoCo does it all with a very thin footprint – thanks to the physical triggers and joysticks for the best of traditional controllers and modern touch controls. The foldable support protects the screen and controls from damage while carrying, bringing portability to the equation. Aryan has added a stand on the back to keep things stable if the accessory is put on a desk or table.

A separable magnetic layer with the physical buttons can be superimposed on the display layer housing the joysticks and the triggers, giving the gamer flexibility of use which is very important. The screen with qwerty keyboard Users who like to keep a wide array of gaming titles on their capable smartphone will find this feature very useful.

The post This ultra-thin gaming controller boasts magnetically attachable button layer first appeared on Yanko Design.

International architecture studios including Adjaye Associates, UNStudio, Morphosis, Studio Fuksas and Coop Himmelb(l)au have been named in a Riyadh exhibition as working on The Line megacity in Saudi Arabia.

Currently under construction in Saudi Arabia, the 170-kilometre-long megacity is being designed by numerous international studios, with each practice reportedly working on a 500-metre section.

Coop Himmelb(l)au, Peter Cook and Studio Fuksas also among the architects named

Twelve architecture studios are named in The Line Exhibition, which is currently on display in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, according to reporting by Architects’ Journal.

US architecture firm Morphosis, which is led by Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne, has been long rumoured to be leading the design. The studio declined to comment when asked about its involvement by Dezeen.

Alongside Morphosis, 11 other studios were named in the exhibition as being involved in the project.

These studios are US practices Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, Tom Wiscombe Architecture, Oyler Wu Collaborative and HOK; UK studios Adjaye Associates and Peter Cook‘s studio CHAP; Austria studios Coop Himmelb(l)au and Delugan Meissl Associated Architects; Italian practice Studio Fuksas; and Dutch studios UNStudio and OMA.

However, a spokesperson for OMA told Dezeen that the studio is not currently working on the project but did participate in a design competition in its early stages.

The extent of the other studios’ involvement in the project is unclear.

Dezeen has contacted Adjaye Associates, Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, Oyler Wu Collaborative, CHAP, Delugan Meissl Associated Architects, UNStudio and Studio Fuksas for comment. HOK declined to comment.

Unveiled last year, The Line is being designed to house nine million people. It will stretch 170 kilometres across the Neom region of southwest Saudi Arabia but will be just 200 metres wide, enclosed with 500-metre-tall mirrored facades.

Neom criticised for human rights and sustainability

The project has been widely criticised for its sustainability and liveability claims. There have also been reports of human rights violations attached to the project with human rights organisation ALQST reporting that three men who had been forcibly evicted from the Neom site had been sentenced to death.

Speaking to Dezeen in an exclusive interview, Neom’s executive director for urban planning Tarek Qaddumi defended the project saying that it will “revolutionise our current way of life” and will be net-zero over its lifetime.

The Line forms one element of the wider Neom project, which will contain 10 regions when it is complete. Alongside The Line, an octagonal floating port city and a resort island designed by architecture studio Luca Dini Design and Architecture are planned.

A ski resort being designed by UNStudio, UK studio Zaha Hadid Architects, US studio Aedas, German studio LAVA and Australian studio Bureau Proberts will also form part of the project.

The post Adjaye Associates, UNStudio and Morphosis named among architects working on The Line appeared first on Dezeen.

Dezeen has launched its digital guide to Stockholm Design Week, which takes place from 6 to 12 February 2023.

This year celebrates Stockholm Design Week‘s 21st year, with more than 400 events taking place across the city.

The guide includes the key events taking place across the festival, including exhibitions, open showrooms and networking events. View the guide here.

Dezeen’s guide to Stockholm Design Week 2023

The guide highlights the key events in Stockholm and serves as a useful guide for those attending the festival.

With the guide, users can add each event to their calendar for easy use and can filter events by date and type.

About Dezeen Events Guide

Dezeen Events Guide is our guide to the best architecture and design events taking place across the world each year. The guide is updated weekly and includes virtual events, conferences, trade fairs, major exhibitions and design weeks.

For more details on inclusion in Dezeen Events Guide, including in our guide to Stockholm Design Week, email eventsguide@dezeen.com.

The top illustration references one of London’s iconic red buses and is by Rima Sabina Aouf.

The post Dezeen Events Guide launches digital guide to Stockholm Design Week 2023 appeared first on Dezeen.